The old water tower in Dearing will be removed to prevent the spread of disease. Mayor Sean Kelley said the top has been left off the water tower resulting in standing water from rain creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Also, the mayor said pigeons are living inside. Mayor Kelley is concerned the condition could be a hazard for the development of Legionares Disease. Mayor Kelley said the tower has not been used "for at least 10 years." Approximately six years ago, the town council checked into having it removed, but decided against it when they found out the cost would be $12,000.

Mayor Kelley called Nationwide Tank, who said they would remove the tower at no cost to the city if they could keep the money from recycling the metal. Before removal was approved, Councilman Kristopher Wells checked with former mayor Bill Eubank to make sure the tower, built in 1951, had no historical significance. Nationwide has not yet set a date for the removal.